Ballack pleased with return

Michael Ballack claims he is happy to be back training with his Chelsea team-mates following his six-month injury lay off.

The 31-year-old Germany captain missed the final month of last season and has yet to make an appearance during the current campaign after undergoing summer surgery on an ankle problem.

Ballack endured a difficult first season in England after his arrival from Bayern Munich on a free transfer and was omitted from the original squad eligible to play in the group stages of the Champions League by former manager Jose Mourinho.

However, after stepping up his comeback from injury, Ballack claims he is happy with life at Stamford Bridge.

"Six months is a long time and it was my first injury when I have been out for such a long time," he told Chelsea TV.

"It's a great feeling after so many months being in the gym and training on my own to be training with the team.

"I am happy to be back. I will go step-by-step now and I will see if I will improve."

Chelsea manager Avram Grant added: "Ballack has trained with us this week in two training sessions.

"His progress is very good and I think he will be available if nothing else happens in four to five weeks.